With the expanding trend of online marketplaces such as Lulu, Amazon, and others, the world has seen a significant surge in book publishing. The credit also goes to the various professional book publishing services that provide premium assistance to authors worldwide to simplify the publication process.
So, if your book is ready to be published and you’re trying to figure out which publishing route to choose. Here’s a quick rundown of all you need to know about the two main publishing models:: traditional publishing and self-publishing. So, let’s take a look at what these two publishing models have to offer first.
What is Traditional Publishing?
A publisher is a gatekeeper to your audience in the traditional publishing model, and a publishing agency is your first point of call. The model starts with you looking for and hiring an agent to present your book or book proposal to a publisher. A publisher will sign you and give you a book advance if your luck is in. Once your book is released and begins to sell, you will be paid royalties, which normally range from 5% to 15% of sales. On the other hand, the royalties don’t start until the book has sold enough copies to break even—that is, when the publisher has recouped the book advance from royalties on your early sales.
Pros Of Traditional Publishing
It Offers Recognition
Being signed on by a book publisher still validates many authors. You must have produced a decent book if you want a publisher to find worth in it and spend resources.
You Don’t Need To Pay For Anything
Because the publisher covers all publication expenses, lower-than-expected sales will not result in a financial loss. Therefore, you are not required to refund any amount of the book advance if your book does not sell.
Everything Is Handled By The Publisher
The publisher offers editing, proofreading, and design services, as well as printing, warehousing, and distribution. They would also coordinate editorial reviews and book signing activities. Having someone else handle all of this is a massive relief for authors, who can then focus more on writing.
Your Book Will Be Sold In Renowned Bookstores
Physical retailers would be more eager to carry your book because traditional publishers have a robust distribution network and offer a book returns option. This increases the likelihood of it being discovered and purchased.
Cons of Traditional Publishing
It Takes A Considerable Amount Of Time To Publish
New authors, in particular, are likely to be rejected several times before landing a book contract. However, even if a contract is signed, the book will not be published and available in bookshops for another year or two.
The Creative Control Of Authors Is Limited
You wouldn’t have total control over your book’s creative elements, such as its title, cover design, and editing.
Authors Obtain Low Royalty Rates
Traditional publishing has lower royalty rates than self-publishing.
You Have To Go Through Lengthy And Complex Agreements
They are frequently convoluted and incorporate clauses that benefit the publisher. To guarantee that you own as much of the book’s rights as possible, you and your lawyer should review the terms and conditions carefully.
What Is Self-Publishing?
Authors can skip the traditional gatekeepers and publish independently or hire a professional book publishing service. Using one or more of the various self-publishing platforms available. To get a sense of how well authors have embraced it, consider that self-published books now account for 40% to 50% of all eBook unit sales. In addition, the rise of online bookshops has boosted sales of eBooks, which are independent authors’ preferred formats.
So, before you publish your book with a professional book publishing service, get it properly edited and designed. The majority of professional book publishing services do not charge any upfront fees and instead take their commission from sales. Commissions commonly vary from ten percent to sixty-five percent. The remaining funds are yours to keep, and payments begin as soon as the first book is sold!
Pros Of Self-Publishing
Every Book Has The Potential To Be Published
Traditional publishers would consider niche-based novels and books by first-time authors to be hazardous ventures, but they can now be published. Furthermore, self-publishing normally takes only a few days or weeks.
Authors Maintain Complete Creative Freedom
You can hire a book publishing expert offering editing services and book designers who will understand your book’s concept and will work with you to develop something that matches it.
Its Easy To make Modifications
Text and design modifications can be made even after the book has been released because books are not produced and stored in advance. If your book cover, for example, isn’t appealing enough, you can quickly change it with a fresh, more appealing design. Any previously overlooked grammatical errors can also be corrected.
The Shelf-Life Of Book Is Extended
Traditionally published books have a finite shelf life in the bookshop and are frequently removed to make room for freshly released books. On the other hand, self-published publications are always available on online retailers. And can be found and purchased months or years after publishing.
Cons Of Self-Publishing
You Are Obliged To Promote Your Book
Prepare to devote time to creating and updating a blog, building a mailing list, promoting your book via social media and book discounting sites, soliciting reviews, publishing your book across multiple platforms, and contributing articles to websites and blogs that can drive traffic to your page, and so on. This isn’t necessarily a drawback; some authors prefer this amount of control and enjoy developing their imagination. However, if you are not among those authors, you always have the option of hiring a book publishing expert to handle all the work for you. Also check this article: How to Write a Children’s Book and Submit It to Publishers
Book Publishing Experts Charge You Money
If you are ready to self-publish, be sure to pay for professional services like editing and book design out of your own wallet.
You, Will, Have No Time To Spare
You will have less time to write because of all the time you spend looking for and vetting book publishing experts, promoting your book, and tracking the impact of your publishing and marketing decisions. Expect to put in more time and work on these activities as a rookie than a seasoned self-publishing author.
Conclusion
Traditional publishing is for you if you don’t want to spend money on marketing or professional book publishing services. Try to find a professional publisher and then wait for your book to be published.
On the other hand, self-publishing allows you to have your book out there in weeks. It will also allow you to escape the annoyances and constraints of a contract. While simultaneously providing you with greater creative freedom and flexibility. On the other hand, self-published writers lack the support environment of a traditional publisher, and you will be responsible for advertising your book and ensuring its professional quality.
